How can I tell if I fracture my pinky or jammed it?

Hi, I was playing basketball about 2 weeks ago and was smacked on the pinky against the ball. First it was very swollen, but I could still move it. This rule out the broken theory. I also took X-ray the next day, but everything was fine. Since then it's been 2 weeks and it's still swollen. It's better than before but still swollen at the joint. When I tried to straighten it, it will straighten but with a lump on the joint. It will hurt a bit, but not as bad. It just swollen a lot at the joint making it a little hard trying to straighten it. Trying to reach for the p when typing takes effort. Can you please tell me if i need to allow more time to heal or get it check out? I don't want anything permanent to affect my finger forever... Thank you so much!

Added 21 Mar 2010:

What are symptoms or signs if I might have fractured the finger or damage the tendons?? If took an X-Ray on it before and it was fine, then is it necessary to take it again?? I don't think it would make a different right?? Thanks for all your inputs!!

Added 21 Mar 2010:

What are symptoms or signs if I might have fractured the finger or damage the tendons?? If took an X-Ray on it before and it was fine, then is it necessary to take it again?? I don't think it would make a difference right?? Thanks for all your inputs!!

Responses (3)

if its been two weeks i'd go back to where ever you had the 1st xray if that was in the er then i'd get the xray and go to a hand specialist you say you want to keep your pinky to reach the the p i'd go get things ck'd out. missy

Not to disagree with Missy but, jammed fingers take longer than 2 weeks to heal. As long as there are no fractures and the tendon wasn't damaged, there is not much you can do. Ice it, elevate it, and gently exercise it. The same thing happened to my ring finger. It took several weeks for it to get back to normal. Good luck to you and keep reaching for that "p" it's good exercise for it.

not to disagree with everyone but how about medications that help you heal or feel better a cortisone injection or RX would help with a swollen joint and it wouldn't hurt for a doctor to take a look after 2 weeks if it's still swollen. what if it's a torn tendon what's waiting going to do for him. never mind me i just rant and want the best care possible for everyone if he were mine he'd be at a hand specialist with his xray. i have a son that plays most all the sports and we definitely didn't let injurys go 2 weeks without being rechecked that were still swollen .missy

I have broken, jammed, surgery you name it on fingers. It takes a while to heal. We use them so much. Just hang in there. Tape a popcicle stick or go get one of those splint things from the drug store and hang on. It takes awhile to heal. I am still healing from a joint replacement surgery from last April. Be patient... It's hard I know but it will get better... kimmie1

hi tim, if brokin or jamed or even sprained it's gona take time to heal. best thing is to do is mobilize it with a splint or tape it to your next finger. stop trying to type "p's. even if it was broken there's not much else u can do for it. its gonna take some time. good luck ...

So basically, I don't need to go see a doctor? Let's say the worst case scenario that I've torn a tendon or something. Will it heal on it own or will I need surgery? Do you think I will need to take new X-ray? Will it be different compared to the previous? Thanks for your response.

hi, if your finger is bent or crooked pull it straight away from ur hand if it cracks or pops u just reset your finger.popsicle stick or anything that will keep it straight. tape it up. u will be fine. i jamed every finger i have, the only one that would need dr care are thumbs. your gona live... lol

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.